Ball Busters Pinball League – 2025 Week 2: Pinball Action Heats Up Malvern

Clear skies and freezing temperatures—welcome to winter pinball in Pennsylvania! On January 15, 2025, 16 players braved the brisk 27°F weather (though it felt like a frosty 16°F) to compete in the Ball Busters Pinball League’s second winter week. The fast-paced, five-round tournament ran for just under two hours, keeping the action tight and thrilling. Hosted by organizer Bill Disney at Malvern’s legendary Pinball Gallery, this event packed nostalgia, strategy, and high-scoring drama into one unforgettable evening.

Pinball Gallery: A Playground for Pinheads

Pinball Gallery in Malvern isn’t just an arcade; it’s an institution. Housing over 70 machines, this location is a dream for both die-hard pinball wizards and casual players looking to rekindle some childhood memories. Their collection spans decades, with everything from vintage electromechanical tables to the latest tech marvels. And yes, they even have all three Black Knight games lined up side by side—talk about a pinball history lesson!

While the space buzzes with energy (and the hum of flippers and bumpers), the staff keeps it welcoming and organized. With affordable pricing—$18 for two hours of play—you get serious bang for your buck here. Whether you’re chasing jackpots or soaking up the retro vibes, Pinball Gallery is where the magic happens.

A Shark Frenzy in Round 4

Round 4 saw the tournament’s standout game take place on JAWS (Premium) by Stern, released in January 2024. This game perfectly captures the terror of Spielberg’s iconic film. Featuring a mechanical shark that chomps down balls and fast-paced multiball modes, JAWS delivers a heart-pounding experience.

Kim Smith took the lead with calculated play, dominating the Orca Multiball mode and taking full advantage of the Feeding Frenzy’s multipliers. Their ability to nail the Great White jackpot shots gave them an edge. Stephanie Savy kept things close, using clever nudges and risky shots to unlock the Amity Island wizard mode, but Kim’s consistency made them the clear winner on this table. Watching this match unfold felt like a scene straight out of the movie—a gripping battle for survival against the shark’s relentless pull.

Machines That Left a Mark

The tournament featured a treasure trove of tables, each bringing unique challenges and features to the mix. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the highlights:

• Joker Poker (Gottlieb, 1978): This classic solid-state game blends luck and strategy as players aim to collect hands of cards across its drop targets. Its vibrant playfield art screams ‘70s charm, and with challenging scoring objectives, it’s a true player’s table.
• Batman 66 (Premium) (Stern, 2016): A tribute to the campy TV series, this machine is packed with iconic gadgets like the Batphone and Villain Escape Multiballs. The LCD screen brings Adam West and Burt Ward to life, while the game’s deep ruleset offers endless replayability.
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (Bally, 1975): A tribute to Elton John, this vibrant electromechanical table challenges players with tricky lanes and a notorious left outlane that gobbles balls. Its design captures the spirit of the era, complete with bold colors and psychedelic flair.
• Stranger Things (Pro) (Stern, 2019): A newer favorite, this game brings the Upside Down to the arcade. Its projector feature, which transforms the playfield with eerie animations, and the Demogorgon toy add an interactive, cinematic quality that keeps players coming back.
• Foo Fighters (Premium) (Stern, 2023): Stern hit it out of the park with this rock-and-roll masterpiece. The machine combines a fast-paced layout with stellar band-themed modes. Its out-of-this-world storyline (literally) sees the Foo Fighters saving Earth from alien invaders, giving players a wild ride.
• Elton John (Jersey Jack, 2023): If you want glitz and glam, this game has it all. With dazzling RGB lights, an immersive soundtrack of Elton’s hits, and deep wizard modes, this machine is a showstopper.

Each of these machines brought its own flavor to the tournament, ensuring every round had fresh challenges for competitors.

The Winners Shine Bright

Kim Smith proved their pinball prowess, earning a well-deserved first-place finish. With a state ranking of 61st and over 100 IFPA events under their belt, they’re no stranger to high-level competition. Their victory at Pinball Gallery solidifies their reputation as a top player to watch.

Amy McManus grabbed second place, a remarkable feat for someone without an IFPA ranking. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s 11th-ranked player, Terri Morton, showed why she’s a regular contender with a strong third-place finish. Rounding out the top four was Kathy Furlong, whose steady performance highlights her potential for future tournaments.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

Here’s the latest look at Pennsylvania’s top players:

Wrapping Up a Night to Remember

The Ball Busters Pinball League’s second week of winter competition delivered all the thrills you’d expect at a venue as iconic as Pinball Gallery. Kim Smith’s stellar performance, the epic showdown on JAWS, and a killer lineup of machines made it a night to remember.

If you haven’t experienced the magic of Pinball Gallery, make sure to add it to your list. With its unbeatable collection and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a cornerstone of the pinball community.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest tournaments, game reviews, and pinball news. See you next time under the glow of the silverball!